Boost Your Energy In Your 40s, 50s And Beyond!
Hi everyone! Keeping your energy levels up as we get older is so important to living a full, robust, FUN life! And while we all go through phases of energy being high and low, there are some strategies that can help no matter what your age or level of fitness. Give these a try and get ready to feel like you can take on the world ... every day!
Eat energy boosting foods. What you eat can have a profound effect on your energy. Think of how you feel after you eat a heavy meal or bag of chips, compared to when you eat veggies and lean proteins. Good foods to add to your diet - start slow, then make them staples - are spinach (or any other dark, leafy green such as kale and collards) as they provide lots of antioxidants; oatmeal - a terrific complex carbs that gives you sustained energy all day long!; beans and lentils, which help keep your digestive system working properly; and fruits like bananas, berries and oranges, which give you a quick boost of natural sugars.
Move everyday. You don't need to work out for an hour a day, but the old adage of "The more you move, the more energy you will have" is true! If you are starting out, walk around the block twice a day. Then, move it up to a longer distance so you are getting in continuous movement for at least 20 minutes, twice a day. You can also do a quick high-energy aerobic workout, go for a bike ride or swim, or do my favorite - pickleball! (I love pickleball so much I even designed a shoe with Easy Spirit, my Denise Austin Dilli Lace-Up Court Sneakers, which is cushioned, supportive and super cute!)
Get more sleep ... and sun! Sleep is so important for your energy levels. Set up a sleep hygiene program: Dim the lights, make the room a cool yet comfortable temperature, and remove distractions like the TV and pets. Try to go to bed at the same time each night, and you will most definitely feel more rested! Then - get out in the sun and get some vitamin D, which also helps to boost energy!
Drink more water. When you get dehydrated, you lose energy - quickly! I keep a refillable water bottle with me at all times so I can sip throughout the day. Add in a sprig of mint or a squeeze of citrus, and you will be surprised by how many times you fill that bottle up!
And be sure to discuss any energy slumps with your doctor - she can help to determine the exact cause, whether that be hormonal, a health condition or environmental factors. I hope these easy yet effective tips help you boost your energy levels so YOU can take on the world! You are worth it!
Let's live FIT, HEALTHY, and HAPPY - together!!
Denise